In this double portrait, Cadwallader Colden, who was a physician, botanist, and physicist, is shown with his arm around his grandson. Colden held strong views on the education of his grandchildren and he often tutored Warren. For the realistic facial expressions, the successful ease of the poses, and the rich color, Pratt was indebted to the art of Copley, who visited New York in 1771. Pratt also painted a standing full-length portrait of Colden, which can be seen at the New-York Historical Society.

Provenance

Mrs. Peter De Lancey (daughter of Cadwallader Colden and mother of Warren De Lancey), New York, died 1784; her descendants to O. de Lancey Coster, New York; Harry A. Coster, New York; Mr. de Lancey Kountze, New York, by 1932; his grandson, Peter de Lancey Swords, Mount Kisco, New York, until 1969